Welcome to my Just Giving page! I am excited to be volunteering with Balloon Ventures to support micro-businesses in Mbale, Uganda over autumn.

Balloon Ventures is an award-winning social enterprise that works to defeat poverty through growing micro-businesses. They work with entrepreneurs in Kenya, Uganda and Ghana with the aim of growing these businesses, leading to more people being employed and wider benefits to the community. Balloon Ventures was one of the first organisations to bring together entrepreneurs, UK volunteers and micro-finance, which they also provide. In the past year alone they have invested £60,000 into 262 businesses, ranging from hair salons to internet cafes.

As a volunteer, I will be working for twelve weeks in Uganda. Most of this time will be spent partnering with local entrepreneurs who want to set-up or grow their business, potentially involving tasks such as market research, launching new products or putting their business plans into action. It may also include helping pitch for investment to take their business to the next level.

The program is sponsored and supported by the UK Government. However, I have been asked to raise £800 as a commitment milestone and to support the work of all ICS charities. Note that this money does not pay for me to go on the trip, which has already been. Just Giving is a safe and secure way to donate, and means the money goes straight to the charity.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask away and many thanks for your donations!

Aaron

All donations made to this page will be matched by Old Mutual Global Investors (UK) Ltd up to value of £1,500.